Product category:
Power Supply ICs and Controllers
News Release from: International Rectifier | Subject: IR3310, IR3311 and IR3312
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 27 August 2003
Switches protect automotive power
systems
Intelligent power switches increase automotive electrical system reliability, reduce weight and simplify circuits.
Three new high-side intelligent power switches from International Rectifier feature accurate high-frequency current sensing and built-in protection circuits for 14V automotive applications The IR3310, IR3311 and IR3312 enhance reliability and reduce weight in central switching unit light controllers, intelligent glow-plug controls, auxiliary positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heaters for HVAC systems, engine cooling fan drivers and interior fan controllers
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 15 Feb 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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In addition to the protection features that are common to automotive drivers, the IR331x family provides accurate current feedback to +/-5% at maximum load current over the entire operating temperature range.
In pulsewidth modulated (PWM) controlled applications, the accurate current sensing feature provides the required feedback that enables a microcontroller or ASIC to control the load current.
The current feedback bandwidth is 100kHz, suitable for topologies where a low-side switch provides high frequency PWM, enabling protection and load-current sensing for unidirectional DC motor drive applications.
Further reading
MOSFETs improve power density on both sides
New from International Rectifier are two TO-220-packaged HEXFET power MOSFETs that maximise power density and performance in primary- and secondary-side DC/DC convertor circuits.
Rad-hard MOSFETs protect and survive
With high radiation hardness and unparalleled single event effect (SEE) immunity, International Rectifier's new R5 MOSFETs are well suited for systems that must survive penetrating gamma rays.
The current sensing feature enables precise monitoring of load current in order to provide additional data to the microcontroller for diagnostic applications.
Typical examples include open-load detection for defective lamps or early warning in case of overload conditions.
Protection circuits are required in order to prevent the electric control unit (ECU) and the application circuit from damage if a short circuit or an overload condition occurs.
Although each circuit in a wiring harness could include traditional fuses or circuit breakers for protection, the IR331x family devices integrate overtemperature and overcurrent shutdown as well as reverse polarity protection, simplifying wiring harnesses, reducing weight and increasing reliability.
In many applications, additional protection devices such as fuses can be eliminated.
In case of a reverse battery condition, an integrated protection circuit turns the main mosfet switch on, helping to relieve the intrinsic body diode, reducing or eliminating thermal problems.
The overcurrent shutdown protection feature is programmable, which allows optimisation according to the requirements of the load or the application.
A soft-start mode is included for low frequency switching.
Additional features such as ESD protection and an active clamp circuit guarantee safe operation and protection under harsh automotive operating conditions.
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